LA Galaxy To Give David Beckham A Statue

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) – Arguably the highest-profile player in Major League Soccer history is getting his own statue.

The L.A. Galaxy announced Monday that they will unveil a statue next month for retired English footballer David Beckham. According to the Galaxy, this will be the first statue for an MLS player ever.

David Beckham of Galaxy warms up before taking on the Houston Dynamo in the 2012 MLS Cup at The Home Depot Center on Dec. 1, 2012, in Carson, Calif. (Getty Images)

After playing for some of the biggest clubs in Europe, a then 31-year-old Beckham joined Galaxy in 2007 in a hugely publicized move which saw him sign the most expensive contract in MLS history.

Beckham appeared in 98 games for the club over six seasons, tallying 18 goals and 40 assists. He helped the Galaxy win back-to-back MLS titles in 2011 and 2012.

“The LA Galaxy are a very special club to me, so to receive this honour is incredible and very humbling,” said Beckham in a statement.

The statue will be unveiled in a ceremony March 2 at Dignity Health Sports Park prior to the Galaxy’s season opener against the Chicago Fire. Beckham will also be inducted into the Galaxy’s Ring of Honor.

Beckham has also gone from MLS player to MLS club owner. As part of his record MLS contract, Beckham was given the option to buy an expansion MLS franchise for $25 million after his playing days were over. Beckham now leads the Inter Miami CF ownership group, with a stadium being built and the new team slated to begin play in 2020.